Zelenskyy welcomes Assad's arrest warrant, exposes who hides with him in Moscow

"We welcome Syria's arrest warrant for its former president, Bashar al-Assad, and support all efforts aimed at bringing him to justice. Since December of last year, he has been hiding in Moscow, along with Ukrainian and other high-level criminals," Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy said it is telling that the world's most notorious killers and criminals hide from justice in what he called "the capital of impunity."

He emphasized that Russia conceals both its own crimes and those of others, adding that the only way to end impunity is through "pressure, collective action, and accountability for all crimes."

"We are grateful to everyone around the world who helps to reinforce international law and rebuild countries after Bashar al-Assad and other douchebags leave them in ruins," Zelenskyy concluded.

Assad faces arrest as Syria seeks return to international stage

On Saturday, September 27, Syria's Ministry of Justice issued an arrest warrant for Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia after his regime collapsed in December 2024. Islamist militants from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other opposition forces carried out a series of offensive operations, seizing control of multiple cities, including Damascus.

As a result, Assad's regime fell, and he and his family fled to Russia, taking with them significant assets accumulated during his years in power.

Since January 2025, opposition leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has served as interim president. He announced plans to restore the country’s democratic institutions and hold elections within five years, with parliamentary elections scheduled for October.

Following the power shift, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order lifting sanctions against Syria that had been in place since 2004.

In recent days, Ukraine and Syria signed a communiqué to restore diplomatic relations.